Pressure sensing to identify fitness and comfort of virtual reality headset

ABSTRACT

A sensor generates signals representing whether a computer game headset is being worn properly so that the wearer may be advised. The sensor may be a pressure sensor or motion sensor or stretch sensor on the headset, or it may be a camera that images the wearer and uses image recognition to determine if the headset is on correctly.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The application relates generally to promoting the fitness and comfortof headsets, particularly virtual reality (VR) headsets, augmentedreality (AR) headsets, headphones, and other head-worn computerizeddevices.

BACKGROUND

The use of headsets to provide virtual reality (VR) experiences,particularly in computer gaming is increasing. As understood herein, VRheadsets are typically worn by gamers for relatively extended periods.When worn properly, a headset should distribute pressure along certainpoints for comfort. If worn too loosely, too tightly, or otherwiseinappropriately on the head, the pressure can shift to other points,causing the wearer discomfort. Further, a poor tit can make certainassumptions about tracking incorrect. For instance, if worn improperlythe relationship of the device to the fees of the wearer may beincorrect. Alternatively, if worn too loosely then the motion of theheadset may not correlate to the motion of the head directly since thereis a hit of decoupling. High frequency motions may be absorbed by thelooseness and abrupt changes in head direction may be damped.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, at least one pressure sensor is mounted on at least oneanticipated pressure point of a headset to generate a signal useful inensuring that the headset weight is correctly distributed on thewearer's head. An anomalous pressure signal may be used to generateinstructions presented on the display of the headset to adjust the fitof the headset Or, a brain computer interface (BCI) sensor may beincorporated into the headset and the strength of the incoming signalmay be used to determine whether the fit is correct or not.

In one aspect, a device includes a computer memory with instructionsexecutable by a processor to receive a signal from a sensor, compare thesignal to a reference, and based on the comparison, output a signalrepresenting whether a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR)headset is being properly worn.

In some embodiments the sensor may be a pressure sensor mounted on theheadset and the reference may be a pressure reference. In some examplesthe sensor may be a motion sensor mounted on the headset and thereference may be a motion reference. Yet again, the sensor may be astrain gage mounted on the headset and the reference may be a strainreference. Still further, the sensor can be a stretch sensor mounted, onthe headset and the reference can be a stretch reference. In otherexamples, the sensor can include a camera imaging a wearer of theheadset wearing the headset, and the reference can include an imagerecognition template. The reference against which the sensor signal iscompared may be keyed to a physical trait of the particular wearer ofthe headset.

In another aspect, a method includes receiving a signal from a sensor ona headset indicating whether the headset is being worn by a person. Themethod also includes, responsive to receiving the signal, determiningwhether the headset is being worn by a person, and responsive to adetermination that the headset is not being worn by a person,automatically configuring the headset in a power conservation mode ordeenergizing the headset.

In another aspect, an assembly includes a headset wearable by a person.At least one sensor is on the headset and is configured for generatingsignals at least in part based on motion of or contact with the person.A processor is configured to receive signals from the sensor, andstorage has instructions executable by the processor for determining,based on the signal from the sensor, that the headset is not beingproperly worn. The instructions are also executable for, responsive tothe determining, generating a human-perceptible signal.

The details of the present application, both as to its structure .andoperation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and inwhich:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example system including an example maccordance with present principles;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example headset;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the headset shown in FIG. 2, schematicallyshowing internal components;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of example logic;

FIGS. 5-7 are example screen shots that can be presented in thehead-mounted display (HMD) portion of the headset with respect to fit;

FIG. 8 is side view of an elastic strap for the headset, schematicallyshowing a stretch sensor;

FIG. 9 is a screen shot of a user interface that can be presented on theheadset or CE device for allowing a wearer to select a head profile;

FIG. 10 is a top view of an alternate headset that uses glasses-typearms, schematically showing a strain gage;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the headset of FIG. 10, schematically showinga pressure sensor;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of example logic for using an image of a wearerto determine correct positioning of a headset; and

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of example logic for automatically determiningwhen a headset is not being worn, for power conservation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates generally to computer ecosystems includingaspects of consumer electronics (CE) device networks such as but notlimited to computer game networks. A system herein may include serverand client components, connected over a network such that data may beexchanged between the client and server components. The client,components may include one or more computing devices including gameconsoles such as Sony PlayStation® or a game console made by Microsoftor Nintendo or other manufacturer, virtual reality (VR) headsets,augmented reality (AR) headsets, portable televisions (e.g. smart TVs,Internet-enabled TVs), portable computers such as laptops and tabletcomputers, and other mobile devices including smart phones andadditional examples discussed below. These client devices may operatewith a variety of operating environments. For example, some of theclient computers may employ, as examples, Linux operating systems,operating systems from Microsoft, or a Unix, operating system, oroperating systems produced by Apple Computer or Google. These operatingenvironments may be used to execute one or more browsing programs, suchas a browser made by Microsoft or Google or Mozilla or other browserprogram that can access websites hosted by the Internet serversdiscussed below. Also, an operating environment according to presentprinciples may be used to execute one or more computer game programs.

Servers and/or gateways may include one or more processors executinginstructions that configure the servers to receive and transmit dataover a network such as the Internet. Or, a client and server can beconnected over a local intranet or a virtual private network. A serveror controller may be instantiated by a game console such as a SonyPlayStation®, a personal computer, etc.

Information may be exchanged over a network between the clients andservers. To this end and for security, servers and/or clients caninclude firewalls, load balancers, temporary storages, and proxies, andother network infrastructure for reliability and security. One or moreservers may form an apparatus that implement methods of providing asecure community such as an online social website to network members.

As used herein, instructions refer to computer-implemented steps forprocessing information in the system. Instructions can be implemented insoftware, firmware or hardware and include any type of programmed, stepundertaken by components of the system.

A processor may be any conventional general purpose single- ormulti-chip processor feat can execute logic by means of various linessuch, as address lines, data lines, and control lines and registers andshift registers.

Software modules described by way of the How charts and user interfacesherein can include various sub-routines, procedures, etc. Withoutlimiting the disclosure, logic stated to be executed by a particularmodule can be redistributed to other software modules and/or combinedtogether in a single module and/or made available is a shareablelibrary.

Present principles described herein can be implemented as hardware,software, firmware, or combinations thereof; hence, illustrativecomponents, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are set forth in termsof their functionality.

Further to what has been alluded to above, logical blocks, modules, andcircuits described below can be implemented or performed with a generalpurpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device suchas an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), discrete gate ortransistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationthereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A processorcan be implemented by a controller or state machine or a combination ofcomputing devices.

The functions and methods described below, when implemented in software,can be written in an appropriate language such as but not limited toJava, C# or C++, and can be stored on or transmitted through acomputer-readable storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM),read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EEPROM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other opticaldisk storage such as digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk storageor other magnetic storage devices including removable thumb drives, etc.A connection may establish a computer-readable medium. Such connectionscan include, as examples, hard-wired cables including fiber optics andcoaxial wires and digital subscriber line (DSL) and twisted pair wires.Such connections may include wireless communication connectionsincluding infrared and radio.

Components included in one embodiment can be used in other embodimentsin any appropriate combination. For example, any of the variouscomponents described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may becombined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments.

“A system having at least one of A, B, and C” (likewise “a system havingat least one of A , B, or C” and “a system having at least one of A, B,C”) includes systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and Ctogether, etc.

Now specifically referring to FIG. 1, an example system 10 is shown,which may include one or more of the example devices mentioned above anddescribed further below in accordance with present principles. The firstof the example devices included in the system 10. is a consumerelectronics (CE) device such as an audio video device (AVD) 12 such asbut not limited to an Internet-enabled TV with a TV tuner (equivalently,set top box controlling a TV). However, the AVD 12 alternatively may bean appliance or household item, e.g. computerized Internet enabledrefrigerator, washer, or dryer. The AVD 12 alternatively may also be acomputerized Internet enabled (“smart”) telephone, a tablet computer, anotebook computer, a wearable computerized device such as e.g.computerized Internet-enabled watch, a computerized Internet-enabledbracelet, other computerized Internet-enabled devices, a computerizedInternet-enabled music player, computerized Internet-enabled headphones, a computerized Internet-enabled implantable device such as animplantable skin device, etc. Regardless, it is to be understood thatthe AVD 12 is configured to undertake present principles (e.g.communicate with other CE devices to undertake present principles,execute the logic described herein, and perform any other functionsand/or operations described herein).

Accordingly, to undertake such principles the AVD 12 can be establishedby some or all of the components shown in FIG. 1. For example, the AVD12 can include one or more displays 14 that may be implemented by a highdefinition or ultra-high definition “4K” or higher flat screen and thatmay be touch-enabled for receiving user input signals via. touches onthe display. The AVD 12 may include one or more speakers 16 foroutputting audio in accordance with present principles, and at least oneadditional input device 18 such as e.g. an audio receiver/microphone fore.g. entering audible commands to the AVD 12 to control the AVD 12. Theexample AVD 12 may also include one or more network interfaces 20 forcommunication over at least one network 22 such as the Internet, an WAN,an LAN, etc. under control, of one or more processors 24. A graphicsprocessor 24A may also be included. Thus, the interface 20 may be,without limitation, a Wi-Fi transceiver, which is an example of awireless computer network interface, such as but not limited to a meshnetwork transceiver. It is to be understood that the processor 24controls the AVD 12 to undertake present principles, including the otherelements of the AVD 12 described herein such as e.g. controlling thedisplay 14 to present images thereon and receiving input therefrom.Furthermore, note the network interface 20 may be, e.g., a wired orwireless modem or router, or other appropriate interface such, as, e.g.,a wireless telephony transceiver, or Wi-Fi transceiver as mentionedabove, etc.

In addition to the foregoing, the AVD 12 may also include one or moreinput ports 26 such as, e.g., a high definition multimedia interface(HDMI) port or a USB port to physically connect (e.g. using a wiredconnection.) to another CE device and/or a headphone port to connectheadphones to the AVD 12 for presentation of audio from the AVD 12 to auser through the headphones. For example, the input port 26 may beconnected via wire or wirelessly to a cable or satellite source 26 a ofaudio video content. Thus, the source 26 a may be, e.g., a separate orintegrated set top box, or a satellite receiver. Or, the source 26 a maybe a game console or disk player containing content that might beregarded by a user as a favorite for channel assignation purposesdescribed further below. The source 26 a when implemented as a gameconsole may include some or all of the components described below inrelation to the CE device 44.

The AVD 12 may further include one or more computer memories 28 such asdisk-based or solid state storage that are not transitory signals, insome cases embodied in the chassis of the AVD as standalone devices oras a personal video recording device (PVR) or video disk player eitherinternal or external to the chassis of the AVD for playing back AVprograms or as removable memory media. Also in some embodiments, the AVD12 can include a position or location receiver such as but not limitedto a cellphone receiver, GPS receiver and/or altimeter 30 that isconfigured to e.g. receive geographic position information from at leastone satellite or cellphone tower and provide the information to theprocessor 24 and/or determine an altitude at which the AVD 12 isdisposed in conjunction with the processor 24. However, it is to beunderstood that that another suitable position receiver other than acellphone receiver, GPS receiver and/or altimeter may be used inaccordance with present principles to e.g. determine the location of theAVD 12 in e.g. all three dimensions.

Continuing the description of the AVD 12, in some embodiments the AVD 12may include one or more cameras 32 that may be, e.g., a thermal imagingcamera, a digital camera such, as a webcam, and/or a camera integratedinto the AVD 12 and controllable by the processor 24 to gatherpictures/images and/or video in accordance with present principles. Alsoincluded on the AVD 12 may be a Bluetooth transceiver 34 and other NearField Communication (NFC) element 36 for communication with otherdevices using Bluetooth and/or NFC technology, respectively. An exampleNFC element can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) element.

Further still the AVD 12 may include one or more auxiliary sensors 37(e.g., a motion sensor such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, cyclometer,or a magnetic sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an optical sensor, aspeed and/or cadence sensor, a gesture sensor (e.g. for sensing gesturecommand), etc.) providing input to the processor 24. The AVD 12 mayinclude an over-the-air TV broadcast port 38 for receiving OTA TVbroadcasts providing input to the processor 24. In addition to theforegoing, it is noted that the AVD 13 may also include an infrared (IR)transmitter and/or IR receiver and/or IR transceiver 42 such as an IRdata association (IRDA) device. A battery (not shown) may be providedfor powering the AVD 12, as may be a kinetic energy harvester that mayturn kinetic energy into power to charge the battery and/or power theAVD 12.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in addition to the AVD 12, the system 10 mayinclude one or more other CE device types. In one example, a first CEdevice 44 may be used to send computer game audio and video to the AVD12 via commands sent directly to the AVD 12 and/or through thebelow-described server while a second CE device 46 may include similarcomponents as the first CE device 44. In the example shown, the secondCE device 46 may be configured as a VR headset worn by a player 47 asshown. In the example shown, only two CE devices 44, 46 are shown, itbeing understood that fewer or greater devices may be used. For example,principles below discuss multiple players 47 with respective headsetscommunicating with each other during play of a computer game sourced bya game console to one or more AVD 12.

In the example shown, to illustrate present principles all three devices12, 44, 46 are assumed to be members of an entertainment network in,e.g., a home, or at least, to be present in proximity to each other in alocation such as a house. However, present principles are not limited toa particular location, illustrated by dashed lines 48, unless explicitlyclaimed otherwise.

The example non-limiting first CE device 44 may be established by anyone of the above-mentioned devices, for example, a portable wirelesslaptop computer or notebook computer or gaming computer (also referredto as “console”), and accordingly may have one or more of the componentsdescribed below. The first CE device 44 may be a remote control (RC)for, e.g., issuing AV play and pause commands to the AVD 12, or it maybe a more sophisticated device such as a tablet computer, a gamecontroller communicating via wired or wireless link with the AVD 12, apersonal computer, a VR headset, a wireless telephone, etc.

Accordingly, the first CE device 44 may include one or more displays 50that may be touch-enabled for receiving user input signals via toucheson the display. The first CE device 44 may include one or more speakers52 for outputting audio In accordance with, present principles, and atleast one additional input device 54 such as e.g. an audioreceiver/microphone for e.g. entering audible commands to the first CEdevice 44 to control the device 44. The example first CE device 44 mayalso Include one or more network interlaces 56 for communication overthe network 22 under control of one or more CE device processors 58. Agraphics processor 58A may also be included. Thus, the interface 56 maybe, without limitation, a Wi-Fi transceiver, which is an example of awireless computer network interface, including mesh network interfaces.It is to be understood that the processor 58 controls the first CEdevice 44 to undertake present principles, including the other elementsof the first CE device 44 described herein such as e.g. controlling thedisplay 50 to present images thereon and receiving input therefrom.Furthermore, note the network interface 56 may be, e.g., a wired orwireless modem or router, or other appropriate interface such as, e.g.,a wireless telephony transceiver, or Wi-Fi transceiver as mentionedabove, etc.

In addition to the foregoing, the first CE device 44 may also includeone or more input ports 60 such as, e.g., a HDMI port or a USB port tophysically connect (e.g. using a wired connection) to another CE deviceand/or a headphone port to connect headphones to the first CE device 44for presentation of audio from the first CE device 44 to a user throughthe headphones. The first CE device 44 may further include one or moretangible computer readable storage medium 62 such as disk-based or solidstate storage. Also in some embodiments, the first CE device 44 caninclude a position or location receiver such as but not limited to acellphone and/or GPS receiver and/or altimeter 64 that is configured toe.g. receive geographic position information from at least one satelliteand/or cell tower, using triangulation, and provide the information tothe CE device processor 58 and/or determine an altitude at which thefirst CE device 44 is disposed in conjunction with the CE deviceprocessor 58. However, it is to be understood that that another suitableposition, receiver other than a cellphone and/or GPS receiver and/oraltimeter may be used in accordance with present principles to e.g.determine the location of the first CE device 44 in e.g. all threedimensions.

Continuing the description of the first CE device 44, in someembodiments the first CE device 44 may include one or more cameras 66that may be, e.g., a thermal imaging camera, a digital camera such as awebcam, and/or a camera, integrated into the first CE device 44 andcontrollable by the CE device processor 58 to gather pictures/imagesand/or video in accordance with present principles. Also included on thefirst CE device 44 may be a Bluetooth transceiver 68 and other NearField Communication (NFC) element 70 for communication with otherdevices using Bluetooth and/or NFC technology, respectively. An exampleNFC element can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) element.

Further still, the first CE device 44 may include one or more auxiliarysensors 72 (e.g., a motion sensor such as an accelerometer, gyroscope,cyclometer, or a magnetic sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an opticalsensor, a speed and/or cadence sensor, a gesture sensor (e.g. forsensing gesture command), a pressure sensor, etc), providing input tothe CE device processor 58. The first CE device 44 may include stillother sensors such as e.g. one or more climate sensors 74 (e.g.barometers, humidity sensors, wind sensors, light sensors, temperaturesensors, etc.) and/or one or more biometric sensors 76 providing inputto the CE device processor 58. In addition to the foregoing, it is notedthat in some embodiments the first CE device 44 may also include aninfrared (IR) transmitter and/or IR receiver and/or IR transceiver 78such as an IR data association (IRDA) device. A battery (not shown) maybe provided for powering the first CE device 44. The CE device 44 maycommunicate with the AVD 12 through any of the above-describedcommunication modes and related components.

The second CE device 46 may include some or all of the components shownfor the CE device 44. Either one or both CE devices may be powered byone or more batteries.

Now in reference to the afore-mentioned at least one server 80, itincludes at least one server processor 82, at least one tangiblecomputer readable storage medium 84 such as disk-based or solid statestorage, and at least one network interface 86 that, under control ofthe server processor 83, allows tor communication with the other devicesof FIG. 1 over the network 22, and indeed may facilitate communicationbetween servers and client devices in accordance with presentprinciples. Note that the network interface 86 may be, e.g., a wired orwireless modem or router, Wi-Fi transceiver, or other appropriateinterface such as, e.g., a wireless telephony transceiver.

Accordingly, in some embodiments the server 80 may be an Internet serveror an entire server “farm”, and may include and perform “cloud”functions such that the devices .of the system 10 may access a “cloud”environment via the server 80 in example embodiments for, e.g., networkgaming applications. Or, the server 80 may be implemented by one or moregame consoles or other computers in the same room as the other devicesshown in FIG. 1 or nearby.

The methods herein may be implemented as software instructions executedby a processor, suitably configured application specific integratedcircuits (ASIC) or field programmable gate array (FPGA) modules, or anyother convenient manner as would be appreciated by those skilled inthose art. Where employed, the software instructions may be embodied ina non-transitory device such as a CD ROM or Flash drive. The softwarecode instructions may alternatively be embodied in a transitoryarrangement such as a radio or optical signal, or via a download overthe internet.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a headset 200 that may incorporate appropriatecomponents of the second CE device 46 described above, as amplifiedbelow. The headset 200 may include a headband or strap 202 configured tobe worn on a person's head and a head-mounted display (HMD) 204 attachedto the head strap tor placement of a display portion 206 on the insideor posterior surface of the HMD in front of the eyes of a wearer.Together, the headband or strap 202 and HMD 204 may establish a HMDassembly.

As shown in FIG. 2, the headband or strap 202 may be manually adjustedby means of a rotatable take-up knob 208 to tighten or loosen theheadband or strap 202. The knob 208 can incorporate a slip clutch tolimit how much tension can be applied, to the headband or strap 202, inthat rotation of the take-up knob 208 causes the clutch to slip at atension threshold so that continued turning of the knob 208 does notfurther tighten the headband or strap 202. Alternative tension-limitingstructure may include springs and detents. These structures are but twoexamples. An electronic limit may also be used in which an electricbrake on the knob 208 is applied responsive to signals from thebelow-described pressure sensors exceeding a threshold.

FIG. 3 best shows that one or more pressure sensors 300 may be mountedon the headband or strap 202 and/or HMD 204. The pressure sensors 300can be positioned in any desired location anticipated to create orestablish a pressure point on the wearer's head. For example, pressuresensors may be located on portions of the headset 200 intended to touchthe wearer's nose, eyebrows, temples, and so on. Another example of alocation for a pressure sensor is in an area that would be expected torest against, eyeglasses of a wearer, as excessive pressure in such alocation can be uncomfortable.

The pressure sensors may be implemented, in non-limiting examples, byone or more of piezoelectric sensors, piezoresistive strain gauges,capacitive pressure sensors, electromagnetic sensors such as Hall Effectsensors, and optical fiber sensors in which a physical change of anoptical fiber may be used to detect strain due to applied pressure.Potentiometric sensors and thermal sensors may also be used. Forlocations at which a mere touch is considered to be incorrect, a touchsensor can be used.

As also shown in FIG. 3, in non-limiting examples, in addition to or inlien of the pressure sensors 300, one or more motion sensors 302 such asaccelerometers or gyroscopes may be engaged with the headset 200.Additionally or alternatively, one or more light emitting diodes (LED)304 and/or one or more haptic feedback generators 306 may be mounted onthe headset 200 for purposes to be shortly disclosed. Typically, theheadset includes left and tight audio speakers 308.

Having described the above structure, attention is drawn to FIG. 4,which shows logic that may be implemented by the processor of theheadset 200 or by the game console receiving signals from the headset200 for using signals from the pressure sensors 300 to determine whetherthe positioning of the headset 200 on the wearer's head is correct aswell as whether the pressure that the headset 200 exerts on the weareris correct. Commencing at block 400, signals are received from thepressure sensors. The signals can indicate not only pressure but alsothe sensor ID, which identifies where in the headset 200 the sensor islocated.

Moving to block 402, the signals are compared to a reference. Thereference may be the same for all sensors or may vary by where thesensor is located as indicated by the sensor ID. In some embodiments, areference may be established for all potential wearers (and be based on,e.g., headset weight and dimensions) or the reference may vary dependingon the type of wearer physiology as described further below.

Moving to decision diamond 404, it is determined whether the headset ison correctly. In an example, if any pressure signal violates a thresholdby, e.g., exceeding the reference, the headset is determined not to beon correctly. In another example, if no pressure signal violates athreshold, but a predetermined “good fit” relationship between thepressure signals from two or more pressure sensors is not met, theheadset is determined not be on correctly. As an example, it may bedesirable that the pressure of the headset on the wearer's nose is nomore than 50% of the headset's pressure on the wearer's eyebrows, andonly if the pressure from a sensor mounted on the nose portion o f theheadset does not exceed 50% of the pressure from a sensor mounted on theeyebrow portion of the headset is a positive test returned at decisiondiamond 404.

Responsive to a positive test the logic flows mom decision diamond 404to block 406 to return “good fit”, which may result in a message of suchbeing presented on the display or speakers of the headset or which maynot result in any feedback at all being given to the wearer.

On the other hand, responsive to a negative test at decision diamond404, in some embodiments the logic may flow from decision diamond 404 todecision diamond 407 to determine whether the wearer may have overriddenan otherwise “poor fit” test. If not, the logic can proceed to block 408to return a warning signal, examples of which are divulged furtherbelow, to alert the wearer that the headset is not being worn correctlyor for the optimum comfort of the wearer. If the wearer has overriddenand otherwise “poor fit” test result, however, the logic may move toblock 409 to return “no error”. Note that in some embodiments theoverride determination of decision diamond 407 may be omitted.

Wearer override input can take a. plurality of forms. For example,“correct fitness” traits can be encoded by the wearer. As an example,the wearer can don the headset (at home, or in a store with an expert),and the correct fitness is established for the wearer based on thewearer's feedback for what feels comfortable. A photographic image ofthe wearer with the headset on in the “correct fit” configuration can bestored on the headset or online and associated with the user's profile.This reference can be used to override the reference at block 402.

For pressure references that vary by wearer physiology, pressureprofiles can be empirically determined using test subjects havingvarious physical, traits, including various types of head shapes, headsizes, and hair styles. The same process can be used to establishmaximum pressure thresholds by measuring pressure in headsetsdeliberately worn improperly by the test subjects. FIG. 9 discussedfurther below illustrates a UI that a wearer can employ to identify hisor her category, and the reference for that category is then used atblock 402.

Alternatively, the size and shape of the wearer's head may be based oninput from the pressure sensors themselves and/or contact sensors. Forexample, an uncharacteristically low pressure may be interpreted by theheadset as the strap not being tight enough, but it may also be inferredto mean that the wearer has longer hair. Along these lines, the knob 208in FIG. 2 may include a rotation indicator that indicates how much theknob has been turned by the wearer, with greater rotation of the knobbeing correlated by the headset to a small head type and lesser rotationof the knob being correlated by the headset to a larger head type, forselection of the appropriate reference. The reference data once obtainedfrom the test subjects may be stored in a cloud-based data storeaccessible by the headset 200.

In another implementation, in addition to or in lieu of using signalsfrom the pressure sensors 300 in the logic of FIG. 4, signals from themotion sensor 302 may be used and compared to a motion reference atblock 402. This is because, as understood herein, behaviors of the humanhead can be known/characterized. For instance, maximum comfortable headrotation, acceleration, deceleration of the head can all be known, so ifthe signals from the motion sensor indicates a violation of any suchvalues, then a negative test can be returned at decision diamond 404based on the inference that, for instance, the headset is floppingaround on the user's head instead of firmly donned thereon. In otherwords, device movement relative to the head can be identified by motionsignals that a firmly mounted headset, being constrained by the head,cannot generate.

Either result 406, 408 In FIG. 4 can precipitate feedback beingpresented to the wearer regarding fit of the headset. For example,audible feedback may be presented on the speakers 308 that the headsetis or is not being worn properly. The audible feedback may be a humanvoice advising the wearer of fit or a pleasant tone or sound, forexample, indicating that the headset, is being worn properly. Inaddition or alternatively, haptic feedback may be provided using thehaptic generator 306. As an example, the haptic generator 306 may beactivated to shake the wearer's head up and down to indicate correctwear or left and right to indicate poor wear. As another example, thehaptic generator 306 may be actuated to produce a relatively gentle“bad” shake that escalates to a progressively violent shake if thewearer does not take corrective action.

In addition or alternatively, FIGS. 5-7 illustrate that visible feedbackmay be presented on, e.g., the display portion 206 of the headset. FIG.5 illustrates a message 500 that the wearer is moving his or her headtoo quickly, and an advisory 502 to tighten the headband or strap 202.FIG. 6 illustrates at 600 an advisory that the headset may be worn tooloose. Either of these advisories may be responsive to the motion sensorIndicating a motion that exceeds that a correctly worn headset wouldexperience. Yet again, visible feed hack may be keyed to the computergame being played by the wearer, advising within presentation of thegame at 700 in FIG. 7 that the game is about to get violent and furtheradvising at 702, based on, e.g., relatively light pressure beingindicated by the pressure sensors 300, to tighten the headset. Otherfeedback may be that the wearer is moving his or her head too quicklyfor the tightness currently imposed on the headset as indicated by thepressure sensor signals.

Another visible feedback indication may be implemented using the LED304. The LED may be illuminated to be, for example, red responsive to anegative test result being returned at block 406. The LED may beilluminated to be, e.g., green responsive to a positive test resultbeing returned at block 406, and/or to indicate that the headset batteryis charged. A motion sensor or mercury switch may be used to determinewhen to energize the LED so that, e.g., the LED may be energizedresponsive to motion of the headset.

FIG. 8 illustrates a headband or strap 800 that is elastic, and that mayhave a stretch sensor 802 embedded in it. The signal from the sensor 802may be used in the logic of FIG. 4 for example to determine whether theheadset is being worn too tightly, as indicated by excessive stretchingof the strap 800.

As alluded to above, the wearer may be able to input his or her headtype, and FIG. 9 shows an example UI 900 for allowing the wearer toselect his or her head type from a list 902 that may be presented on thedisplay portion 206 of the headset 200.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate yet another structure for determining whethera headset Is worn correctly. In the example shown, a HMD 1000 is engagedwith the wearer by means of glasses-like arms 1002. A sensor 1004 suchas a strain gage may be placed, for example, on the junction between theHMD 1000 and arms 1002 to indicate whether excessive strain is beingimposed (e.g., outwardly away from the user's head) and, thus that theheadset is not being worn properly.

FIG. 11 shows that additionally or alternatively, one or more pressureor contact sensors 1100 may be located on the arms 1002 and preferablyon the curved portion of the arm as shown. As recognized herein, certainportions of the arms 1002 may be anticipated to be in contact with thehead if the headset is properly worn, so that a signal indicating nocontact may be used to indicate that the headset is being wornimproperly, generating a warning signal.

As described above, pressure, motion, touch, and stretch sensors can beused to indicate whether a person is correctly wearing the headset 200.Additionally, proximity sensors may be mounted on respective portions ofthe headset 200 with the distance sensed between them used to determinehow far out the headset is extended front to back, based on how for theportions are from each other. An excessive distance can result in awarning signal being generated.

Still further, FIG. 12 illustrates alternate logic in which an image ofthe person is received at block 1200 from any of the cameras disclosedherein. Proceeding to decision diamond 1202, using image recognition onthe received image and comparing it to a database of “correct” wearimages, the logic may determine whether the person is wearing theheadset correctly. If so, “good fit” is returned at block 1204;otherwise, a warning may be generated at block 1206.

As but one example, an image of the wearer can be used to determine thedistance between the eyes and other parameters, which is then used todetermine if the headset is being worn/tilted too far forward orbackward or otherwise incorrectly. The image of the wearer may begathered while the wearer puts the headset on, and/or after the wearerhas put the head set on.

In some embodiments, a wearer can be imaged by any of the camerasdescribed herein, and face recognition executed on the image todetermine the wearer's identity and which fitness trait to use. Insteadof face recognition to determine identity, the wearer's logininformation may be used, or a pattern of motion associated with thewearer such as the breathing pattern or walking gait of the wearer.

Moreover, the above-mentioned references for the “correct fitness”traits can be encoded by the wearer. As an example, the wearer can donthe headset (at home, or in a store with an expert), and the correctfitness is established for the wearer based on the wearer's feedback forwhat feels comfortable. A photographic image of the wearer with theheadset on in the “correct fit” configuration can be stored on theheadset or online and associated with the user's profile. Futurecomparisons can be based off of this history reference measurement.

FIG. 13 illustrates power saving logic that may implemented. Theabove-described sensors and other components of the headset may bedeenergized or put into a power conservation mode at block 1306 when theheadset determines that it is not being worn at block 1302 based on asignal received, at block 1300 indicating, as but one example, nopressure being applied to the pressure sensors. Moreover, upondetermination that it is not being worn, the headset can send a signalat block 1304 to the game server to stop feeding the A/V content to theheadset. The server may then present the content on the AVD 12 which maybe nearby. In addition to or in lieu of the foregoing, the signal to theconsole can indicate that the console should stop making two images(because one image is used for each eye on the headset) and to stopdistorting the images (based on optics, such as straight lines beingdistorted to curved to still look straight when viewed by the user), andinstead simply send one image to the AVD 12.

It will be appreciated that whilst present principals have beendescribed with reference to some example embodiments, these are notintended to be limiting, and that various alternative arrangements maybe used to implement the subject matter claimed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: at least one computermemory that is not a transitory signal and that comprises instructionsexecutable by at least one processor to: receive a signal from at leastone sensor; compare the signal to a reference; and based on thecomparison of the signal to the reference, output a signal representingwhether a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) headset isbeing properly worn,
 2. The device of claim 1, comprising the at leastone processor.
 3. The device of claim 1, comprising the headset.
 4. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is a pressure sensormounted on the headset and the reference is a pressure reference.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is a motion sensormounted on the headset and the reference is a motion reference.
 6. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is a strain gagemounted on the headset and the reference is a strain reference.
 7. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is a stretch sensormounted on the headset and the reference is a stretch reference.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes a cameraimaging a wearer of the headset, and the reference includes an imagerecognition template.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the instructionsare executable to select a first reference responsive to a wearer of theheadset having a first physical trait and a second reference responsiveto the wearer having a second physical trait.
 10. A method, comprising:receiving a signal from a sensor on a headset indicating whether theheadset is being worn by & person; responsive to receiving the signal,determining whether the headset is being worn by a person; responsive toa determination that the headset is not being worn by a person,automatically configuring the headset in a power conservation mode ordeenergizing the headset.
 11. The method of claim 10, responsive to adetermination that the headset is not being worn by a person, sendingfrom the headset to a component a signal representative thereof.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the signal is a command to redirect videopresentation to a display other than the headset.
 13. An assembly,comprising: a headset wearable by a person; at least one sensor on theheadset configured for generating signals at least in part based onmotion of or contact with the person; at least one processor configuredto receive signals from the at least one sensor; and at least onestorage with instructions executable by the processor for: determining,based at least in part on at least one signal from the sensor, that theheadset is not being properly worn; and responsive to the determining,generating a human-perceptible signal.
 14. The assembly of claim 13,wherein the human-perceptible signal is audible.
 15. The assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the human-perceptible signal is visible.
 16. Theassembly of claim 13, wherein the human-perceptible signal is tactile.17. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one sensor is apressure sensor mounted on the headset.
 18. The assembly of claim 13,wherein the at least one sensor is a motion sensor mounted on theheadset.
 19. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one sensorincludes a camera imaging a wearer of the headset.
 20. The assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the instructions are executable for: responsive to adetermination, based on the signal, that the headset is not being wornby a person, automatically configuring the headset in a powerconservation mode or deenergizing the headset.